🌺 Kozhikode's grand Onam celebrations are kicking off

Kozhikode district is getting ready for massive Onam festivities spanning from August 22 to August 30. The celebrations officially start with an Onam Pookkalam competition on August 22, overseen by MLA K. Jayanth and Collector M.S. Madhavikutty. Ninety-one local bodies will compete in the 'Local Body Pookkalam Competition 2026' with prizes up to ₹1,00,000. The main events will feature cultural programs daily at Kozhikode main beach from August 24 to August 30. The entire event is funded by a ₹40-lakh grant from the Tourism department.

🧐 Tahsildar's Assets Uncovered in ACB Raid

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) identified assets worth an estimated ₹6.87 crore during raids linked to a disproportionate assets case. The searches targeted Desani Srinivas Reddy, a Divisional Administrative Officer at the Ibrahimpatnam RDO office, in Rangareddy Range. The assets were found across multiple locations, including two residential flats and agricultural land, on Thursday. The case stems from allegations that he acquired wealth beyond his known income through corrupt means. Mr. Reddy will be produced before the Principal Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases at Hyderabad for judicial remand. 🧐

⛏️ Landslide claims 13 lives at Colombian gold mine

A landslide struck an unlicensed gold mine in Policarpa, southern Colombia, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 workers and injuring seven others. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion-like sound on Wednesday afternoon before the workers were trapped underground. Local officials attributed the fatal landslide directly to the mining operations taking place there. This dangerous incident highlights the risks in unregulated artisanal mining, where many families rely on the work. Moving forward, emergency teams continue to manage the aftermath of this tragedy.

👑 Car salesman turns prince after DNA test

A Belgian car salesman has officially become a prince after Prince Laurent recognized him as his son. The individual, Clément Vandenkerckhove, is 26 years old and is the son of Prince Laurent and Belgian singer Wendy Van Wanten. This recognition happened six months ago, following a DNA test showing a 99.5% match. Although he is now a prince, he will not be in the line of succession or receive royal allowances. He is currently deciding whether to adopt the royal Saxe-Coburg name. 👑

🔫 Bank officer's tragic end after shooting wife in Lucknow

A bank officer allegedly shot his wife outside an ICICI branch before returning home to Lucknow. The incident involved Manas Mishra, an SBI field officer, and his wife, Divya Mishra, on Thursday. Authorities confirmed three people were dead, with Manas also shooting himself. The preliminary investigation suggests a family dispute might have been the trigger for the killings. Police are currently examining his WhatsApp status as part of the ongoing probe. 🔫

🏛️ Shivamogga celebrates Devaraj Urs's birth anniversary

The Shivamogga district administration held a program to mark the birth anniversary of former CM Devaraj Urs on Thursday. Politicians, officers, and intellectuals gathered at Kuvempu Ranga Mandira in Shivamogga for the event. This celebration commemorated Urs's 111th birth anniversary. Speakers highlighted his historic policy of ensuring land to the tiller and championing social justice. The gathering served to remember his significant contributions to society and deprived sections. 🏛️

🍵 Tea's Secret Weapon Against Cancer

Certain teas have been linked to potential cancer risk reduction based on recent nutritional studies. Researchers are focusing on specific tea varieties known for their antioxidant properties. Data collected over the past decade suggests significant positive correlations with consumption habits. This research emphasizes the role of dietary choices in preventative health measures for the general public. Further large-scale clinical trials are expected to confirm these promising preliminary findings.

🏏 Pakistan's Test collapses are now a pattern

Pakistan's Test cricket struggles stem from a lack of resilience to minimize damage during weak spells. During the first Test against England at Headingley on August 19, 2026, England took a commanding lead by 59 runs with 8 wickets in hand. Pakistan's innings folded at 171, marking the first time in the decade they didn't reach 200 in the first innings. This pattern shows frequent collapses, often after promising partnerships, pointing to a lack of grit. The team needs to develop better planning and temperament to convert potential into results. 😥

🌊 Ganga floods UP; life disrupted near danger mark

Heavy monsoon rain has caused the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to swell rapidly across Uttar Pradesh. Areas like Varanasi, Prayagraj, Unnao, and Kanpur are seeing severe inundation of roads and homes. In Varanasi, the Ganga reached 68.35 metres on Thursday, approaching the 71.26 metres danger mark. Authorities have suspended boat operations for devotee safety and set up rescue measures. Everyone remains on high alert as officials monitor rising levels in both UP and Bihar. 🛶

📉 SEBI study: Young traders lose big in F&O

A new SEBI study reveals that 88.5% of traders under the age of 30 are incurring losses in the Futures and Options market. This trend was particularly pronounced among individuals from low-income groups, according to the report. The data covers trading activity up to the recent assessment period. The study highlights the significant risks associated with leveraged trading for young investors. Authorities are expected to review the findings to implement stricter investor protection measures.

⚽ Diomande: 'Ready to die for Mourinho'

New Real Madrid signing, Yan Diomande, shared his feelings about his transfer to the Los Blancos. He spoke to SportyTV regarding José Mourinho's call and advice from Didier Drogba. The player expressed immense pride, stating he could not refuse the move from such a big club. Diomande mentioned Mourinho told him he was part of the team, leading him to declare, 'I’m prepared to die for him.' He also remembered his debut against Madrid while playing for Leganés. ⚽